Are Print Manga Magazines a Dying Breed?
Recently there have been many announcements that manga magazines in Japan are closing shop. Whether it is a lack of fans, sales or other important figures the number of magazines announcing there last issue has increased on Anime News Network, especially in the lats few months. The mangas move to another branch of the manga company, so you will still be able to read those mangas you love, but is this a sign of a shrinking industry?
If we look at America we see our print new industry has taken a huge hit with online new and media. The reason is clear; with online news you get your articles sooner, there is less cost, and of course, it’s free. many news outlets have gone to a digital form in order to keep with the times, dissolving there print media. truly, it is a smart move as it is a more cost effective a green business strategy. But what of those who love physical media?
Many people like to read there books on the iPad, using things like a nook app or comixology to read. you can read whatever you want without going to the store and buying your issues or worrying about the product selling out. Personally I cannot stand reading on a nook or iPad. I enjoy the feel of pages between my fingers, the sound of the spine cracking when its is first opened and the smell of the newly printed pages as I digest the words and picture in front of me. the memories from when i pick up my comics from the store and read them and the feeling of having the whole physical collection is one digital media cannot replace.
looking back at my comparison of print news papers going to digital format, we can also see the exceptions to the case. Newspapers like the Washington Post and The New York Times still have a physical platform while also have a digital one to appease both fans. In a manga related version, we still have Shonen Jump, as well as Shonen Jump Alpha for your digital comic addiction. So while i close this article up, I will go back to reading my first issue of Shonen jump i bought in elementary school, remembering the memories of my first reading of Naruto (boy was that a trip) and laughing at Luffy from One Piece. As long as the fans continue to purchase physical media, i do not see the manga magazine making a full transition to digital any time soon.
~~Z-ComiX
